Conch Shell 'Musicians' Compete in Quirky Key West Conch Honk скачать в хорошем качестве

Conch Shell 'Musicians' Compete in Quirky Key West Conch Honk

Luckily for most entrants, "American Idol"-level musical talent isn't a requirement to compete in the 49th annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest. Instead, the quirky contest drew people eager to share in a Key West tradition by attempting to make music using a fluted, pink-lined conch shell. The shell of the sturdy sea mollusk is a symbol of the Florida Keys, often called the Conch Republic. The offbeat challenge attracted entrants ranging from toddlers to seniors, who squawk, honk and occasionally produce recognizable tunes as they show off their "pucker power." A few past standouts have even managed melodies as complex as "Flight of the Bumblebee." Judges evaluate the quality, duration, loudness and novelty of the sounds they make, with trophies and ribbons awaiting winners in several categories. Presented by the Old Island Restoration Foundation, and held in the tropical garden of Key West's Oldest House, the competition salutes the historic importance of the conch in the Keys. Centuries ago, natives from the Calusa tribe blew conch shells to communicate over distance, and sailors used them as maritime signaling devices.